Ask the Author: Cynthia Ogren
Answered Questions (4)
Cynthia Ogren
Great question, Dawn! The term "writing cave" is really apropos—especially for me because I have to sequester myself. I think every author is different, but there is a contingent of us who must spend time alone to do our best writing.
When I moved to Texas four years ago, I bought a townhome on the edge of nowhere overlooking the city of San Antonio. The entire home—Wit's End—became my writer's cave. I have an office where I store my research, office supplies and books, but I often write on my dining room table or on a portable desk that's in my bedroom. I like to keep my computer close to me in case I get a sudden surge of inspiration.
However, I'm moving back to Kentucky in August, and Wit's End will follow me there. I'll take over a large space over the garage at my Kentucky house. I'll have a big desk, tables to lay out my research notes, bookshelves for all my books, and a comfy sitting area with a couch and chair so I can read or nap in between writing sessions. I'll post pics of it when I get it all set up. Thanks for the wonderful question, Dawn.
When I moved to Texas four years ago, I bought a townhome on the edge of nowhere overlooking the city of San Antonio. The entire home—Wit's End—became my writer's cave. I have an office where I store my research, office supplies and books, but I often write on my dining room table or on a portable desk that's in my bedroom. I like to keep my computer close to me in case I get a sudden surge of inspiration.
However, I'm moving back to Kentucky in August, and Wit's End will follow me there. I'll take over a large space over the garage at my Kentucky house. I'll have a big desk, tables to lay out my research notes, bookshelves for all my books, and a comfy sitting area with a couch and chair so I can read or nap in between writing sessions. I'll post pics of it when I get it all set up. Thanks for the wonderful question, Dawn.
Cynthia Ogren
My best advice to aspiring writers is to READ, READ, READ! Read any genre that inspires you, not just the genre you plan to write. And don't forget to read the classics. There's a reason they've become classics. They're immensely instructive to blossoming writers. I agree with Stephen King and many of the iconic authors who caution that if you don't read regularly, you can't write well. Through reading great books, writers learn how to craft important story elements, such as setting, plot, and pacing. They get an intrinsic feel for how a story is supposed to arc and play out. But perhaps, the greatest gift reading bestows is that of helping the writer find his own unique voice. And that is a priceless gift, indeed!
Cynthia Ogren
Although promoting Beautiful Monsters takes up a great deal of my time right now, I'm working on a rough outline for the yet-untitled sequel. Many of my readers are clamoring to know what happens next to my provocative protagonists, Riley Rinaldi and Keller Cross. By January of 2015, I hope to be able to start writing the memoir of my near-death experience. I'll alternate between the two projects.
Cynthia Ogren
The idea for Beautiful Monsters came to me as a result of society's preoccupation with celebrity culture. And what better place to explore this than the brittle glass stage of Hollywood? I explore two themes in the book. First, I challenge the concept that fame, wealth, celebrity, and/or beauty equate to happiness for individuals. I also explore the idea of karmic love. What do we do when we're magnetically drawn to someone who might be totally wrong for us? Are relationships fated?
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